Dev tools · alternatives · 2026

24 alternatives to Elementary OS

The privacy focused replacement to Windows and Mac OS

Below are 24 products that do a similar job, ranked by how close each is in meaning and then by launch-day votes. Elementary OS launched in 2018; newer entries below may have overtaken it.

1. 1
   elementary OS▲13

   A fast and open replacement for Windows and OS X

   2015 · elementary.io · its alternatives →

2. 2
   Elementary OS 5 Juno▲94

   The fast, open, and privacy-respecting OS

   2018 · elementary.io · its alternatives →

3. 3
   elementaryOS Loki (0.4)▲9

   A fast and open replacement for Windows and macOS

   2016 · elementary.io · its alternatives →

4. 4
   macOS Sierra▲629

   All new OS for your Mac

   2016 · apps.apple.com · its alternatives →

5. 5
   GrapheneOS▲116

   Open source mobile OS focused on privacy and security.

   2019 · grapheneos.org · its alternatives →

6. 6
   macOS Big Sur▲269

   New macOS with enhancements to Messages, Maps, & privacy

   2020 · apple.com · its alternatives →

7. 7
   Snap▲115

   Effortless window management for power users on macOS

   2025 · freethinkel.dev · its alternatives →

8. 8
   Zorin OS 12▲139

   Open source Linux-based OS that is fast, powerful and secure

   2017 · zorin.com · its alternatives →

9. 9
   Encrypto▲141

   Encrypt the files you send.

   2015 · macpaw.com · its alternatives →

10. 10
    Student OS▲308

    Your buddy in everyday student life

    2023 · matthewnotion.gumroad.com · its alternatives →

11. 11
    Stealthly for macOS▲295

    Automated privacy for macOS screen sharing

    2025 · stealthly.app · its alternatives →

12. 12IM
    I made my own OS from scratch because I was bored▲224

    I've wanted to make my own OS since I started programming. Now, 5 years later, I did it (kind of). Sure, it is really basic, has very little functionality, but I made it and I'm proud of that. Oh, and I'm just 16 btw.

    2025 · jotalea.com.ar · its alternatives →

13. 13
    Burrow MacOS▲86

    Start Windows & Linux on your Mac for free

    8d ago · github.com · its alternatives →

14. 14
    OrbStack▲170

    Fast, light, simple Docker & Linux on macOS

    2023 · orbstack.dev · its alternatives →

15. 15
    DockDoor▲166

    Window peeking and alt-tab functionality for macOS

    2025 · dockdoor.net · its alternatives →

16. 16
    Better Window Manager▲233

    A tiny window management app for the Mac

    2015 · its alternatives →

17. 17OG
    OS – GitHub issues to help beginners make their first pull request▲97

    2017 · open-source.now.sh · its alternatives →

18. 18
    Zazu▲193

    Open source launcher, an alternative to Alfred

    2017 · zazuapp.org · its alternatives →

19. 19
    Netwoke▲77

    Where Connection Meets Disclosure.

    Apr 2026 · netwoke.app · its alternatives →

20. 20
    Unfreeze▲182

    Less typing, more coding

    2021 · droa.gumroad.com · its alternatives →

21. 21
    Freeter▲143

    Open-source workspace. For people working on their computer.

    2016 · freeter.io · its alternatives →

22. 22
    Qubes OS▲58

    Security-oriented OS for single-user desktop computing

    2022 · qubes-os.org · its alternatives →

23. 23JA
    JanOS – A new OS that turns your smartphone into an IoT board▲123

    2015 · janos.io · its alternatives →

24. 24
    My Drawer▲96

    Open source, intelligent sidebar for MacOS

    Feb 2026 · mydrawer.furkanksl.com · its alternatives →

Ranked by how close each launch is in meaning, then by votes. Prices were read from each product’s own site when checked and can change. Refine with your own description →